A fine goal against Italy may have silenced doubters like Paul Merson but unless Townsend can raise his game for Spurs, the Arsenal legend’s accusations of favouritism on the part of Roy Hodgson may well ring true.

The 23-year-old has played just 12 Premier League games this term, scoring twice - with one of those goals coming from the penalty spot. By contrast, he’s netted three in seven for England and looks as lively and clinical as ever.

In 60 Premier League outings for the Gunners he also managed only 19 goals, however a recent strike against Australia saw the 29-year-old move ahead of Rudi Voller and Jurgen Klinsmann to third in Die Mannschaft’s list of all-time top goalscorers.

On loan at Manchester United from AS Monaco but unlikely to remain at Old Trafford beyond the current campaign, Falcao has managed just four goals in 19 outings for the Red Devils to date.

Despite this, the 29-year-old remains as prolific as ever for Colombia, with a recent haul of three goals over friendlies against Bahrain and Kuwait seeing him becoming the country’s all-time top scorer with 25 in 56 appearances.

Signed by Southampton from Feyenoord last summer, the 29-year-old Italian enjoyed an electric start to life in the Premier League with eight goals in the opening half the Premier League season.

That return was enough to see Antonio Conte call the Saints striker up for Italy and while the Azzurri boss’ faith has been repaid with two goals in three appearances, Pelle has so far failed to score again for Southampton in the Premier League since the turn of the year.

Jack Beresford

Jack is a 27-year-old writer with experience in writing about sport in a range of guises. He’s something of a statto when it comes to soccer and has a passion for English football at all levels, as well as Serie A and the Bundesliga.